Very nice dive, although a bit chilly at the end (my shorty really is not enough). Again Incredible morays, nice little stingray - a *huuuuge* napoleonfish.... makes Alex a happy camper !I screwed most of the pictures though and the EOS started throwing the Error 99 message .. the damn thing needs to be retired ...

Species Identified

Taeniura lymma (Forsskål, 1775) (Bluespotted ribbontail ray)Blue-spotted stingrays live alone or in small groups , migrating in large schools into shallow sandy areas on the rising tide in order to feed, and dispersing back into the ocean as the tide falls to shelter in the coral c...Read MoreBlue-spotted stingrays live alone or in small groups , migrating in large schools into shallow sandy areas on the rising tide in order to feed, and dispersing back into the ocean as the tide falls to shelter in the coral crevices of the reef . Feeding most commonly occurs during the day, but sometimes also at night , and the diet consists largely of worms, shrimps, crabs, molluscs and small fish . Prey is often detected through electroreception, a system which senses the electrical fields produced by the prey . Not all small fish and invertebrates are potential prey, as blue-spotted stingrays can often be found at 'cleaning stations', areas of reef where large fish line up and tiny fish or shrimp pick off their dead skin and parasites . In courtship, males often follow females, using their acutely sensitive 'nose' to detect a chemical signal emitted by the female that indicates she is receptive. Breeding occurs from late spring through the summer, and gestation can last anything from four months to a year . Reproduction is ovoviviparous, meaning females give birth to live pups that have hatched from egg cases inside the uterus . Up to seven pups are born per litter and each juvenile is born with the distinctive blue markings of its parents in miniature .

Chaetodon semilarvatus Cuvier, 1831 (Bluecheek butterflyfish)A common species found in areas where there is rich coral growth. Often seen in pairs or small aggregations. Occasionally observed hovering in a stationary position for extended periods under ledges of Acropora plate corals . Oviparous . Form pairs during breeding .A common species found in areas where there is rich coral growth. Often seen in pairs or small aggregations. Occasionally observed hovering in a stationary position for extended periods under ledges of Acropora plate corals . Oviparous . Form pairs during breeding .

Cheilinus undulatus Rüppell, 1835 (Humphead wrasse)Humphead wrasses are extremely long-lived, known to survive for at least 30 years, and taking around five to seven years to reach sexual maturity . Adults are usually solitary, spending the day roaming the reef and returni...Read MoreHumphead wrasses are extremely long-lived, known to survive for at least 30 years, and taking around five to seven years to reach sexual maturity . Adults are usually solitary, spending the day roaming the reef and returning to particular caves or ledges to rest at night . Very little is known about these fish; adult females are able to change sex but the triggers for this development are not known . Pairs spawn together as part of a larger mating group that may consist of over 100 individuals. The planktonic eggs are released into the water and once the larvae have hatched they will settle out on the substrate . Using their tough teeth, these fish are able to consume hard-shelled species such as molluscs, echinoderms and crustaceans . They are one of the few predators of species that destroy coral reefs, such as the infamous crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) .

Cetoscarus bicolor (Rüppell, 1829) (Bicolour parrotfish)Occurs in clear lagoon and seaward reefs . Juveniles usually solitary; adults form harems ; males are territorial. Goes to several changes during growth and very large females change sex to the brightly colored male. Sm...Read MoreOccurs in clear lagoon and seaward reefs . Juveniles usually solitary; adults form harems ; males are territorial. Goes to several changes during growth and very large females change sex to the brightly colored male. Small juveniles usually in dense coral and algae habitats . Benthic grazer of algae . Caught with nets and other types of artisanal gear.

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